Main Entry:

prism

Pronunciation:

\ˈpri-zəm\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Late Latin prismat-, prisma, from Greek, literally, anything sawn, from priein to saw

Date:

1570

1: a polyhedron with two polygonal faces lying in parallel planes and with the other faces parallelograms2 a: a transparent body that is bounded in part by two nonparallel plane faces and is used to refract or disperse a beam of light b: a prism-shaped decorative glass luster3: a crystal form whose faces are parallel to one axis ; especially : one whose faces are parallel to the vertical axis4: a medium that distorts, slants, or colors whatever is viewed through it